A Canadian National worker moves a car using a pole on the pilot of CN No. 6310 in 1958. Gordon B. Mott, Louis A. Marre collection Q When did railroads stop using poling pockets seen at all four corners of freight cars and engines? – John Bronn, Eagle, Alaska A Poling was the once common […]
Train Topic: Beginners
Ask MRVP: Episode 22
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Back to business! Host David Popp has swapped out his Hawaiian shirt for an MR shop apron and a long list of your questions to answer. This month, hobby-related inquiries cover wiring concerns, trackwork troubles, scenery material selection, plus skirts and pan flutes. […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 22
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Back to business! Host David Popp has swapped out his Hawaiian shirt for an MR shop apron and a long list of your questions to answer. This month, hobby-related inquiries cover wiring concerns, trackwork troubles, scenery material selection, plus skirts and pan flutes. […]
Burlington ‘Zephyr’ record
The Burlington ‘Zephyr’ as seen in Aurora, Ill., on May 26, 1934. Its nonstop run may have included slow spots. CB&Q Q In 1934, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy ran the Zephyr from Denver to Chicago nonstop. How did they do this without changing crews? Did they have crews on-board for each subdivision and change […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 21
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Mele Kalikimaka? David Popp and his wild Hawaiian shirts are back for this mid-winter episode of your favorite Q&A show! This month on Ask MRVP, several special subscribers will receive direct answers to inquiries regarding benchwork, trackwork, wiring, scenery, and even layout operation! […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 21
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Mele Kalikimaka? David Popp and his wild Hawaiian shirts are back for this mid-winter episode of your favorite Q&A show! This month on Ask MRVP, several special subscribers will receive direct answers to inquiries regarding benchwork, trackwork, wiring, scenery, and even layout operation! […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 20
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host David Popp gets to enjoy his early Xmas gift – Go Cubs! But he also makes sure YOU receive a few stocking stuffers too! This month on Ask MRVP you’ll get to enjoy thorough responses to hobby-related questions regarding wiring a turnout […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 20
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Host David Popp gets to enjoy his early Xmas gift – Go Cubs! But he also makes sure YOU receive a few stocking stuffers too! This month on Ask MRVP you’ll get to enjoy thorough responses to hobby-related questions regarding wiring a turnout […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 19
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page ‘Tis the season for trainsets… and questions about getting them ready for the holidays! This month, MRVP answer man David Popp fields those questions, along with others related to switch machines, N scale coupler conversion, applying decals, railroad industries, cleaning track, layout wiring, […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 19
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page ‘Tis the season for trainsets… and questions about getting them ready for the holidays! This month, MRVP answer man David Popp fields those questions, along with others related to switch machines, N scale coupler conversion, applying decals, railroad industries, cleaning track, layout wiring, […]
Locomotive gear ratios
Electric and diesel locomotives’ top speeds are governed by gear ratios and safe operations, like this Union Pacific westbound near Franklin Grove, Ill. Brian Schmidt Q What determines the theoretical top speed of a diesel locomotive? Is it the gear ratio? What other factors enter in? – Mike Pedersen, North Berwick, Maine A The maximum […]
Ask MRVP: Episode 18
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page MRVP answer man David Popp is never afraid to field your tricky questions! This month, David, with help from MR’s Neil Besougloff and Cody Grivno, tackles topics related to adding decals, improving locomotive and rolling stock performance, selecting era-appropriate details, building bridges, turntable […]